Benoni Defense · A43
Zilbermints-Benoni Gambit, after 2. b4
1. d4 c5 2. b4
In the centre, White holds d4.
The first 3 moves, explained
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... c5 Challenges the pawn on d4 - the central tension has to resolve. Theory calls this the Old Benoni.
- 2. b4 Challenges the pawn on c5 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Zilbermints-Benoni Gambit: development and initiative over material.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 62 in the Benoni Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.